ABOUT

CREATE

Creativity is your superpower, but being authentically you is the real magic. When you combine the two, there’s no limit to what you can create.

SMILE

Life’s too short for anything that doesn’t make you smile

REPEAT

The more you create, the more you grow. And the more you grow, the more joy you find.

I'M DAN

Most would describe me as a photographer, educator, and small business owner. But let’s be real—I’m also a creative problem-solver, an endless dreamer, and someone who gets way too excited about helping people see their full potential (seriously, it’s my favorite thing).

As creatives, we’ve all been there—imposter syndrome sneaks in, making us doubt our skills, our vision, and sometimes even our place in this industry. But here’s the thing: you are more capable than you think. Whether it’s the person in front of my camera or the photographer learning behind it, my passion is helping others see what they can’t see in themselves. Because once you recognize your own potential? That’s when the magic happens.

So let’s break past the doubt, confidently embrace creativity, and design something that truly reflects who we are. Whether you want to improve your photography, grow your business, or just looking for a push in the right direction, I’ve got you.

Join me in this journey of creativity, confidence, and discovering what you’re truly capable of. Because trust me, you’re already more incredible than you realize

MY STORY

Dan Frievalt’s love for the outdoors led him to photography long before it became a career. He would hike into remote areas, chasing the beauty and splendor of waterfalls, camera in hand, eager to capture the way light and motion came together in a single breathtaking frame. What started as a passion for the natural world evolved into something bigger—but Dan never imagined it would lead to running his own business.

For 12 years, he thrived as a graphic artist, crafting visuals and telling stories through design. But the industry burned him out. The creative spark that once fueled him had dimmed—until he picked up a camera again. Photography started as a side project, an artistic outlet. But as he poured more of himself into it, he realized it was more than just a hobby. It was his calling.

In 2005, he took the leap—and never looked back.

Blending Art & Photography for Bold, Story-Driven Images

Today, Dan is a multi-award-winning photographer, educator, and creative visionary known for blending dramatic lighting with artistic post-processing to create cinematic, storytelling imagery. His background in design gives him a unique edge—his photos don’t just capture a moment, they evoke emotion, movement, and personality.

But Dan’s creativity doesn’t stop at photography. His knowledge for design and problem-solving fuels another side of his work—creating templates that help photographers streamline their process, elevate their images, and bring their own creative visions to life. Whether it's a high-impact sports design, a cutting-edge graphic overlay, or social media products, Dan is always dreaming up new tools to help photographers work smarter, not harder.

His ability to create bold, dynamic portraits has earned him recognition as Wisconsin Professional Photographer and Artist of the Year multiple times and placed his studio among the Top 100 Studios in the Country. His work has graced magazine covers and won some of the highest awards in the industry, including the Canon Par Excellence Award, Kodak Gallery Awards, Fuji Masterpiece Awards, and the honor of representing Team USA in the Photographic World Cup.

Helping Photographers See Their Full Potential

Dan’s passion for creativity isn’t just about what he can create—it’s about helping others see what they’re capable of. Whether it’s a subject in front of the camera or a photographer behind it, he thrives on helping people see their full potential—even when they don’t see it themselves.

As photographers, we all face imposter syndrome—doubting our talent, questioning our work, feeling like we don’t belong. Dan knows that struggle because he’s been there too. And that’s why he’s dedicated to mentoring and teaching photographers to break past their own creative barriers.

Through SU Insiders, hands-on workshops, and speaking engagements at Imaging USA, WPPI, SYNC, SPI, Texas School, and more, he shares his knowledge, his techniques, and his no-BS approach to building a photography career that doesn’t just pay the bills—but reignites the passion that started it all.

Beyond the Camera: Fueling Creativity Through Adventure

When he’s not creating striking images or designing new templates, Dan finds inspiration hiking through the outdoors, mountain biking rugged trails, or getting lost in an abstract painting session. Photography may be his career, but creativity and adventure fuel every part of his life.

But at the end of the day, his favorite moments are the simple ones—spending time with his wife and dog, unwinding under the stars by a campfire, and finding new ways to harness his creative spirit. Because for Dan, creativity isn’t just a career—it’s a way of life.

"I’ve bought just about everthing that dan has sold along with taking an in-person class with him in Indianapolis last year. My favorite class so far is his montage class. He’s so kind and patient explaining how to create it. I knew very little photoshop when I started the class and now it’s much easier for me to work on projects."

Dianna Rucker

"Lisa and I have attended numerous photography events over the past 8 years. Dan is one of our favorite industry educators and professionals. He is among the most creative and generous photographers we have met and always takes the time to ensure every person's question gets answered."